NHS urges West Sussex residents to 'choose services wisely' during junior doctor strikes

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) said junior doctors, who are members of The British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HSCA), are expected to take part in a third round of industrial action from 7am tomorrow until 7am on Saturday (June 17).

While NHS services will still be available for urgent and emergency care during the latest wave of industrial action, services are expected to be very busy, especially with the current heatwave, the trust said.

SASH said during the last strike huge numbers of patients still attended East Surrey Hospital’s emergency department, so added it is therefore vital people who need care choose services wisely to help ensure care is available to patients who need it.

This includes using NHS 111, walk-in-centres, GP practices, pharmacies, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre and the Minor Injury Units at Caterham Dene, Horsham and East Grinstead for non-life-threatening care, and only using 999 or East Surrey emergency department in a genuine emergency.

Anyone out in the sun for extended periods of time should remember to wear suncream and stay hydrated, and anyone experiencing heat or sun-related illness or injury should follow the advice of NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, or if necessary, attend their closest minor injury unit which will be running as normal during the industrial action.

People can find tips on how to stay safe and cool at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather.

Angela Stevenson, chief executive, said: “For those who need to use our services this week, while disruption should be expected, especially given the current heatwave, we are working hard to minimise this and maintain as much routine care as possible. Please continue to attend any scheduled appointments unless we have informed you otherwise.

“Where you don’t need emergency or urgent care as your condition isn’t life-threatening, please remember to utilise other NHS services out there besides A&E and 999, such as 111 online, your local pharmacy or GP, as well as nearby treatment centres at Crawley, Caterham Dene, Horsham and East Grinstead which will be running as normal. This will help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.”